Fine & Dandy

Almost as slick as a sock, the new low boot is neither sexy nor masculine, neither a bootie (or bootay) nor a chelsea, and befitting of that rather generic description, works equally well with trousers or skirts. Maison Margiela has been making this boot for years. Past styles featured mostly their signature split Tabi-Toes but only recently did they add a more conventional, yet somehow androgynous rounded toe. Margiela’s black leather boot with hand-painted daisies (pictured here) is bound to be a collectors item and is already selling out at retailers, while their cobalt satin boot with tiny daisies appears more subtle at first glance, it does give the foot a somewhat suspiciously alien-like feel. Perhaps it’s the total lack of skin and absence of a foot like shape within the actual boot itself…? Hmm…definitely foot for thought.

A slightly more classic take on the new low boot would be Valentino’s bohemian version in black floral printed leather, available in the upcoming pre-fall deliveries. A tall, knee-high version exists for those unwilling to slip into something slightly more dangerous. Yawn. Stepping forward into the fall collections includes the all-fabric versions by Dries Van Noten (runway shots shown here), cut in vintage-like brocades and solid crushed velvets that were deliberately matched to their accompanying outfits shown on the runway. In signature Van Noten form, each was imbued with his precious, yet worn-in design brilliance.

There is no doubt about it, there is something quite appealing about this new boot shape, and whether you view the look as sleek and futuristic or chaste and Victorian in nature, it’s all quite fine and dandy.

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